Characteristics of beta-adrenergic receptors in bovine corneal epithelium: comparison of fresh tissue and cultured cells

Abstract

The characteristics of the beta-adrenergic receptors in homogenates of fresh tissue and cultured bovine corneal epithelium were compared using [3H]dihydroalprenolol. High affinity, specific binding sites were observed in both preparations. Fresh tissue exhibited a higher binding site density (165 fmol/mg protein) than did cells in culture (57 fmol/mg protein). Studies with various beta-adrenergic agonists and antagonists indicated that binding characteristics were typical of beta-adrenergic receptors, predominantly of the beta 2 subtype. These results demonstrate that beta-adrenergic receptors exist in both fresh and cultured bovine corneal epithelium and that these receptors are qualitatively and quantitatively similar.